CCI approves Kalabagh Dam

It is very encouraging that Council of Common Interest has told Lahore High Court it has no objection to Kalabagh dam. However Bhasha dam is no substitute for Kalabagh dam not because of its altitude which is high enough, but because no irrigation canals can be taken out from it because of the hilly terrain. No canals can be taken out from any dam on the Indus except from Kalabagh dam. This is what makes Kalabagh dam so important if north Punjab is to receive any water from any dam on the Indus, be it Tarbela, Bhasha, Akhori, Bunji, Dassu, Skardu or Katzara. As to the opposition to Kalabagh dam, PPP and ANP are hostage to the anti-Dam sentiments that have been aroused in the public mind by unscrupulous leaders with self-serving statements that Sindh will become a desert if Kalabagh dam is built and Nowshera will drown if Kalabagh dam is built. Unless efforts are made to educate public opinion nothing will be achieved. Investigative reporting by the press is the need of the day.ENGR KHURSHID ANWER, Lahore, June 3.